Amedore Claims Victory; Tkaczyk Says Not So Fast

Republican Assemblyman George Amedore has claimed victory in the state Senate’s final outstanding contest, but the campaign of his Democratic opponent said he’s acting prematurely.

Amedore, of Rotterdam, Schenectady County, held a 39-vote lead after ballot-counting finished at the state Supreme Court level on Monday. But Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk’s campaign said she will appeal to the state Appellate Division to count hundreds of ballots that were blocked by the lower court.

Tkaczyk and Amedore are vying for the 46th Senate seat, a newly created district including all or part of five counties, including Ulster.

“I want to thank the great people of this 5-county district that have placed their faith and trust in my candidacy,” Amedore said in a statement. “It has been a lengthy campaign, but I am ready to end this political process and I stand committed to working in a bi-partisan effort to meet the difficult challenges that face all New Yorkers.”

Tkaczyk’s campaign can’t file an appeal until Acting Supreme Court Judge Guy Tomlinson finalizes his ruling, which is expected to come later Monday or Tuesday. A school-board member from Duanesburg, Schenectady County, Tkaczyk held a slim lead on election night, but has trailed in absentee and affidavit-ballot counting.

“This counting is far from over,” Tkaczyk campaign spokesman Gary Ginsburg said. “There are still hundreds of outstanding objections that have to be ruled on by the Appellate Court.”

A few hundred paper ballots were rejected by Tomlinson for various reasons. Specifically, Tkaczyk’s campaign pointed to “hundreds of affidavit ballots that were thrown out because of minor errors” and votes that were cast early by elections commissioners as being ripe for appeal.

Simon, but the people have spoken & have rejected Latimer’s ideology. Soon he’ll be in the minority party huddling in the corner with his other Democratic buddies and we’ll all be wondering why we sent this bozo to the senate to represent us.

Watch, he won’t do act on mandates or anything else that would lower the tax burden on the middle class. He’s sure to be a strong advocate for the teacher’s union, but I don’t see how that helps anyone but his union friends who’s pensions/salaries he won’t touch except to maybe help push them higher.

But the people of NY have spoken so we don’t need to worry about such things now.

Bill…its official. Unless Tocci, Malfetano, Galleta or Maisano objects, you’re the duly elected President of the We Hate George Latimer Club. You’ve shown your hatred for him day in and day out, and you are truly committed to your cause. Congrats on your well deserved win.